The most difficult, intense, stressful and amazing experience of my life. Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/19/2015 to 08/15/2015 with
Princeton University: Beijing - Princeton in Beijing
I learned that I'm capable of much more difficult coursework and than I'm used to. I also learned that keeping an academic pledge can be fun as well as challenging.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The most rigorous and awarding academic experience of my life. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Dorms we lived in with the best on campus. |
| * Food: |
All food had to be found ourselves, which in Beijing can be a daunting task. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Taught under language pledge, so we have no choice but to interact with the culture around us. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally never had a healthcare experience, but I heard that we were taken to western hospitals if we ever had a problem. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would suggest to save up during the year because in China little expenses that up. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Third Year Chinese |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Stick to the language pledge, do not give up! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is not for the faint of heart. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
